Issue link: https://let.epubxp.com/i/303456
22 Law Enforcement Technology May 2014 www.officer.com DISASTER RESPONSE Talking the talk Even when agencies work well together communication can be an issue. Nunn says, "As the incident grows and grows, we need to make sure everyone is com- municating and that it's centering around people's authorities." In large events like Sandy, the non-functional com- munication infrastructure was replaced with mobile resources. "We engaged the private sector," he explains. FEMA was equipped with satellite phones and mobile response vehicles. They put in repeaters and worked with both private and public agencies. Making sure there were alternative ways to communicate was important, but what about on a smaller scale? Oleary explains it can be as easy as everyone bringing their equip- ment to the table. "We had liaisons from other agencies come to our joint field office and they brought their equipment with them," she says—allowing everyone to communicate. Changes coming with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), who is overseeing the development of the first nationwide, high-speed network dedicated to public safety, are focused on interoperability and addressing issues of communica- tion. Since initial dialog and FirstNet's establishment, communication between agencies, including fire, police and other critical infrastructure agencies has seen marked improvements. As more agencies train and utilize ICS/UC, pub- lic safety will be more prepared for both small and large emergency incidents. With ICS, agencies utilize common terminology, increased accountability, clear chain of command and supervi- sion, and an orderly, systematic plan- ning process. Resources, including personnel and equipment, are utilized with maximum efficiency. "In today's world if a fire department or police department cannot get along…shame on them," says Thompson. "We are all part of a public safety team. Our com- munities deserve that and egos need to be set aside. If there is bad blood that created this thing, sit down and break bread so you can get on the same [page]. When there's chaos, depending on the call, it's just a matter of seconds if the police department is there first or the fire department is." Although police officers and fire- fighters have different functions, they have similarities too. "We bring calm to chaos," says Thompson. As the world will see from the Oso tragedy, the abil- ity to work together within ICS/UC brings about the best outcome not only to all the departments involved but the community as a whole. ■ Michelle Perin has been a freelance writer since 2000. In December 2010, she earned her Master's degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Indiana State University. SAFE FOR YOU, NOT FOR THEIR STASH PERFECT VISION ® V20 VIDEOSCOPE CAMPBELL/HARRIS SECURITY EQUIPMENT COMPANY cseco.com | info@cseco.com | 510.864.8010 The Perfect Vision ® V20 Videoscope is the latest technology from CSECO, the makers of the Buster K910B and the CT-30 Detection Kit. It's also the ONLY scope certifed SAFE for use in fuel tanks. Buster K9108 CT-40 Detection Kit Contact CSECO today to learn more about the FIBERSCOPE TRADE-IN PROGRAM and the new CT-40 Contraband Team Kit • Large color LCD display – 3.5x zoom - 10x resolution of fberscope • Push-button photo/video capture – NO attachments • Video chip imaging - NO fberoptic cables to break • Built-in LED light & 6 hour rechargeable battery • CERTIFIED SAFE by UL Circle 56 on Reader Service Card LET_18-22_Winging0514.indd 22 4/18/14 3:30 PM